The findings of a year-long study, commissioned by East Midlands Development Agency (emda), into the economic impact of hosting sporting events in the region will be presented at the conference.
The conference also aims to forge working relationships that will enable the region’s tourism industry to capitalise on Britain hosting the Olympic Games and attract 2012 Olympic tourists to the East Midlands.
Barcelona doubled its number of tourists in the 10 years following the 1992 Games and other cities in Spain also benefited from a knock-on effect. Barcelona also became the sixth most attractive European city to locate a business, rising from 11th place.
Sydney generated £1.2billion additional business following the 2000 Games, and only £200million of that was in New South Wales. Tourism increased and media coverage to the value of £2.5billion was achieved.
Sport England’s Regional Sports Board Chair, Len Jackson, said: “The East Midlands needs to act swiftly to ensure that it benefits from the Olympics. But it’s not just about the Olympic Games, we need to establish working partnerships aimed at growing the sports tourism sector in the region in general. This is an opportunity that we cannot afford to miss out on.”
Ten percent of tourism in the East Midlands is attributed to sports tourism, contributing at least £400million to the region’s economy every year and supporting 25,000 businesses.
According to the study even a ‘loss-leading’ events such as the International Synchronised Skating Championships at the National Ice Arena in Nottingham generated around £100,000 to the local economy.
Consultation is taking place in the lead up to the publication of the revised Regional Economic Strategy (RES) in April 2006. The strategy aims to place the East Midlands as one of Europe’s top 20 regions by 2010.
The conference in Loughborough takes place on November 28. Bookings can be made through PAWA Consulting Ltd at info@pawa.co.uk.
For more information contact Helen Gorman. Telephone/Fax: 0115 9258777; Mobile: 07739 456644; Email: helen.gorman@perfectmotion.org; Web: www.perfectmotion.org
